THOUSANDS FLOCK TO TOWN TO WITNESS SUCCESSFUL BONFIRE EVENT

The Hailsham Bonfire celebrations returned to town with a bang with the streets becoming host to societies from across Sussex.

The popular event is being hailed a success as thousands of residents lined the streets to witness the procession organised by the Hailsham Bonfire Society which was attended by groups from Uckfield, Buxted, Heathfield, South heighten, Eastbourne, Vines Cross, Waterloo, Barcombe, Isfield & Little Horsted, East Grinstead, Burgess Hill, Rotherfield and Mark Cross. Drumming throughout the procession came from Earthquake, Stix, Pentacle Drummers and TS Zealous. They were also joined by the Hailsham Scouts and Lewes Scout Band.

The procession began at the Vicarage Lane Car Park and weaved its way around town to arrive back at the war memorial for a traditional prayer and minute’s silence. It was followed by a breathtaking explosion of firecrackers.

A large bonfire was then lit on the Western Road Recreation Ground later in the evening where thousands gathered to watch the fireworks finale to mark the closure of the night’s celebrations.

Lightning Fibre were the proud sponsors of the evening, which is under constant pressure to raise vital funds to keep the event running annually.

Guy Fawkes night in most parts of Great Britain is traditionally commemorated at large public fireworks displays or small family bonfires, however, towns in Sussex and Kent hold these huge gala events with fires, parades and festivals.

The Hailsham event took a 16-year break due to funding and was recreated in 2005 by local man Guy Osborne, with support from Hailsham Lions. Since then, thousands have been raised for local charities.